Lemon-Dill Seared Salmon with Asparagus
Perfectly seared salmon fillets with a fresh dill-lemon glaze, served alongside tender asparagus spears. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 33 minutes pairs (5 oz each) salmon fillets, bunch (12 oz), trimmed asparagus, chopped fresh dill for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 (5 oz each) salmon fillets
- 1 bunch (12 oz), trimmed asparagus
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh dill
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove, minced garlic
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 2 salmon fillets (5 oz each) dry with paper towels, then season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper on both sides.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat (375°F). Place salmon skin-side down, cook for 5-6 minutes until skin is crispy and golden, then flip and cook for 3-4 minutes until opaque and easily flaked.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp fresh dill (chopped), 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 tbsp olive oil to form a glaze.
- Step 4: Meanwhile, toss 1 bunch asparagus (12 oz, trimmed) with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Roast on a baking sheet at 400°F for 12-14 minutes until tender-crisp and slightly charred.
- Step 5: Remove salmon from skillet, drizzle with the dill-lemon glaze, and serve immediately with roasted asparagus.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Dill Seared Salmon with Asparagus take to make?
Total time is about 33 minutes (15 min prep + 18 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Lemon-Dill Seared Salmon with Asparagus?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (5 oz each) salmon fillets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Dill Seared Salmon with Asparagus?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Lemon-Dill Seared Salmon with Asparagus for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Lemon-Dill Seared Salmon with Asparagus?
Mediterranean seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★★
Simple and delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
